Tuesday, January 31, 2012

I'm totally bummed that I wasn't able to attend the Winter CHA 2012 in Anaheim, CA. I have to work... can't just jet off and leave my students with a sub for 3-4 days... that would be frowned upon. Well, that and it was cost prohibitive for me to go. Sigh... but I have been following it through Facebook and blogs. I would have to say that it looks like it was a rocking time with lots of big names, amazing booths, fun events, and lots and lots of new product! I hope summer is this good! I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will get to go to CHI and work that one!

For today, I thought I'd share my projects that are featured in 2 booths. I don't have photos of the booth yet... waiting for my DTs to post! LOL!

For DMC Faber Castell, I have my banners and two bags. I made the first last year for the Summer 2011 show and they wanted it again. So, here it is:

I altered a Donna Downey messenger bag that is raw canvas. I added Gelatos, Aquarelle pencils, Pitt Artist Pens and Big Brush Stamper's Markers. I also used Gel Medium and a bit of Modeling Paste and stencils. Of course, bubble wrap is used and punchinella for dots! Look here for the step out.
Next up is my little handbag clutch that I made from canvas, interfacing, fabric, and some embellishments. I talk about the process on this post.

I'm so excited about the new Gelato colors that I have been working like mad with them! I have a whole sketchbook that I have used them on and am in the process of working on a canvas with only the neutrals. I am also in the process of making some other canvas artwork with them that I will be using in an upcoming class at my LSS. I'll post pics of them soon!

I also have the honor of making work for the WOW! Embossing powders and Suzy West Collections. I LOVE these colors and the products! The stamps are awesome and the powders just gorgeous! They are smooth, lovely products! You can find out more about them and see more examples of work here.
Here are my projects that I created with them:

This is the silver ultra high powder! I used 2 layers of it and stamped into it with Suzy's stamps. Looks like metal stamping!

Aren't these colors delish? Just makes me think of candy!

A layout that I did using the metallic and Pantry collections! I love how it will mix and create textures and simulate patinas on metal! It's on grungeboard... Cool right??

I stamped into the melted powders with Suzy's stamps! Love the embossed look here.

I hope you enjoyed my little sharing of CHA projects this week! I wish I was there in person but I'm sure they are having a great time and I can't wait to hear all about their adventures!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

It's been a few weeks and how time is flying... I have a few new projects to share with you all! Wish I was at CHA with the rest of the scrapbooking/ craft world but my kids and work need me. Maybe this summer I'll get to go again! I thought I'd first share the rest of my Scrapbooking From the Inside Out January kit.

Art

This layout was created with lots of negative space scraps... I had cut some frames with my cricut and decided I'd use them to frame journaling, but then I also found other scraps (like the backing to the chipboard shapes) that I could use as well. I wanted this page to reflect creativity and art with random embellishments. I love the colors in this kit and wanted that to be the focus so I used Kraft paper as the backdrop. Those Cosmo Cricket words strips are AWESOME too!

The journaling talks about my love of teaching young artists and the hope that I allow them to explore techniques, concepts, artists, and their own creative decision making. It is not just a job for me... it's a passion I have for inspiring kids to explore materials and be brave enough to try new things in their artwork without fear of being "right or wrong".

Another detail of "Art"

Be Different

This is my favorite page of all the projects this past month! I love the colors, textures, and the photo! I had this photo taken at the Pepsi Co. sculpture gardens in Westchester, NY about 10 years ago! I was saving it for something... The sculptures are from George Segal. I love his Plaster cast figures. The simplicity of them but the story they tell which can be someone complex at the same time. I find it fascinating that they are life sized and taken from real people. The need to interact with these artworks is irresistible! This was when I was a young teacher and struggling to find myself as an artist. I wanted to fit in but find my own style at the same time. It was a conflict that still eats at me. I understand now how artists can sometimes be either ahead of their time or not take enough chances because they are afraid of rejection. I hope to find my voice where I can be certain that it is true to me and not just appeasing the "in crowd".

Detail and journaling

Tags made from fabric, paper scraps, and chipboard shapes.

I Am

I am a complex person who sometimes finds faults with herself where others do not. I'm a perfectionist, procrastinator, moody, and much more. I find myself dissatisfied with my world and my role in it sometimes. I want to make a difference. I want to do and be more than I can imagine. Whatever I am, I have to be the best I can be... sometimes I fail. I try to do good, but I'm human and often fall short. I can be overwhelmingly confusing to others. I love my kids, job, husband, and life! I am an artist...

Detail of "I Am"

Now that January is almost behind us, we are looking ahead to the shortest month of the year (although one day longer this year as it is a leap year!). The new Scrapbooking From the Inside Out (SFTIO) kit is due to be revealed on February 1st... so, I thought I'd give you just a few sneak peaks from this amazing kit! It's called "Dream" and I can tell you that it is in fact dreamy!

I can't wait to reveal my complete work for this kit! It's one of my favorite kits ever! You will love the colors in this one.

I have lots more to share but I think I'll save it for another post tomorrow... I'll be showing some of my CHA projects!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

I loved working with the papers and embellishments from this gorgeous kit... it just inspires creativity! So without further ado... Individuality:

Okay, I am only showing 2 of the 5 projects I did with this kit and promise to show a few more soon! I want to tease you, but I know you will love this colorful and unique kit! Grab yours now before they are gone! I have more to share from my other DT gigs soon... can't quite yet.

It's been a great break from school but today we went back... to be honest, I was kinda hoping for a snow day today... we got about 6 inches overnight but it petered out by morning. BLAH... so off we went and there were some cranky kids today! My son was one of them.. he was counting on being able to sleep in some more. Oh well, kiddo. We all have to go back to work or school sometime. It's cold here and I'm dreaming of warm weather and sun already... I think it's gonna be a looooong winter!